Synopsis
As bushfires rage in western Melbourne, authorities in southeast Australia have ordered evacuations for communities near the Grampians National Park. Emergency services emphasize the need for immediate action to ensure safety from the spreading flames.Key Takeaways
- Southeast Australia facing severe bushfires.
- Evacuation orders for communities near Grampians National Park.
- Fire activity has intensified overnight.
- Residents advised to leave before conditions worsen.
- Firefighters working to contain blazes ahead of a heatwave.
Sydney, Jan 30 (NationPress) Authorities in southeast Australia have mandated the evacuation of communities as bushfires in western Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, continue to escalate.
On Thursday morning, emergency services in Victoria urged approximately 100 residents from four small towns near the southwestern boundary of the Grampians National Park, located roughly 250 km west of Melbourne, to evacuate without delay due to a nearby out-of-control fire, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
A warning issued by VicEmergency shortly after 7:30 a.m. local time indicated a notable surge in fire activity overnight, which caused a fire along the western perimeter of the national park to spread in multiple directions.
"Evacuating immediately is the safest course of action, before conditions worsen. Emergency services may not be able to assist you if you choose to remain," the warning stated.
Residents of three additional towns to the east of the fire, ignited on Monday by dry lightning, have also been advised that leaving now is the safest choice.
Incident controller Peter Western informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the fire had expanded to 7,000 hectares overnight despite relatively mild conditions.
He noted that it has encroached upon some private properties at the western edge of the park.
Communities near a second fire in the park's northern region have been advised to stay alert to changing conditions and prepare for potential evacuation.
He added that firefighting crews are working diligently to contain the blazes ahead of a forecasted heatwave expected to persist from Saturday to Tuesday.
